The Lord Mayor, councillor Arder Carson – is Chieftain for the day – said: "It’s great to see this spectacular event, with the cream of the piping and drumming talent from across these islands, returning to Belfast.

Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), added: "It’s great to be back in Belfast for the second year of the United Kingdom Championships.

"Northern Ireland possesses a wealth of local piping and drumming talent and the warmth of welcome the bands, dancers and drum majors receive from the spectators is fantastic."